🪽 Hiking to Angels Landing in Zion NP

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Hiking to Angels Landing is one of the most spectacular and challenging things to do in the western United States. Located in the heart of Zion National Park, this iconic trail attracts thousands of adventurers every year thanks to its breathtaking views, its demanding ascent, and the famous final section equipped with chains that runs along a narrow ridge above the canyon.

In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for the hike: how to obtain a permit, the trail’s difficulty level, what to pack, top tips, and everything else you need to know to enjoy one of the most unforgettable hikes in the American West.

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What is Angels Landing?

Angels Landing is one of the most famous viewpoints in Zion National Park and has become one of the most popular hikes in the park and along the entire West of the United States. It is believed that the name was given by Methodist pastor Frederick Vining Fisher, who, on his first visit to Zion Canyon in 1916, jokingly remarked that “only an angel could land there”.

In recent years, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the trail has gained popularity due to the spectacular views from the summit, its difficulty, and the dark legend surrounding it—there are records of 19 people who have died while hiking it.

😉 From our perspective, with the permit system implemented in 2022, good physical fitness and mountaineering experience make it possible to do this safely.

Angels Landing Hike Details

In this list, we've compiled some of the most important information about hiking to Angels Landing:

Distance: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip
Duration: 3–5 hours
Elevation gain: 1,640 feet (500 m)
Difficulty: high
Route type: in-and-out
Starting point: The Grotto
Shuttle: yes
Permit: required
Best time to visit: spring and fall

Permit for the Angels Landing Hike

To avoid crowds of hikers and prevent potential accidents, starting in 2022, you must obtain a permit to hike Angels Landing. Permits are obtained through a lottery on the recreation.gov website or app, and there are two types: the Seasonal Lottery, for which you apply months before the hike, and the Day-Before Lottery, for which you apply the day before.

The permit is valid by day and time slot, with 3 time slots:

Before 9 am
Between 9 am and 12 pm
After 12 pm

Both lotteries cost $6 per application (not per person) and allow you to register up to 6 people. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you win the lottery or not. Here are the differences between them:

Seasonal Lottery

This is the more flexible of the two options, since you can choose up to 7 days or different ranges of days to take the walk, each with its own time slot. Whether you’re selected or not, you’ll receive an email with the results.

To find out the exact dates of the drawing, we recommend that you check the park's website, as they change every year. Here is a table with the dates for 2026:

2026 Seasonal Lottery Dates
Registration Dates	Trekking Dates
February 13 to 25	March 1 – May 31
April 1 to 20	June 1 – August 31
July 1 to 20	September 1 – November 30
October 1 to 20	December 1 – February 28

Day-before Lottery

If you weren't lucky in the Seasonal Lottery or didn't enter at the time, you have the option to enter the Day-before Lottery. As the name suggests, the drawing takes place the day before the hike, and you can sign up between midnight and 3 pm (Mountain Time); the results will be emailed to you at 4 pm

😉 We got the permit through this lottery, and we won on our first try

How do I get a permit for Angels Landing?

To obtain a permit for the hiking to Angels Landing, you must:

Visit the recreation.gov website or app on the dates listed for registration, depending on when you plan to visit the park or the day before your hike.
Use the search tool to find the Angels Landing activity ... and choose the time of year you want
Enter your personal information. If you're already registered, this isn't necessary, but you'll need to log in.
Select the desired date or range of dates
Add the product to your cart
Make the payment

Whether you were selected or not, you'll receive an email with the results. If you were selected, you'll be charged the $3 per person permit fee directly; if you cancel at least 2 days in advance, you'll receive a refund.

💡 The confirmation email serves as your permit. Remember to bring a printed copy, a downloaded copy, or a screenshot of it, since you'll be asked to show it and there isn't good cell signal along the trail.

In this video, you'll find a summary of the process:

How do I get to the trailhead?

If your accommodation is in the town of Springdale, you can take the Springdale Line bus directly to Zion Canyon Village and transfer there to the Zion Canyon Line, getting off at The Grotto stop. If you’re coming from farther away or have chosen to stay in Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin, or Rockville, you can park at the visitor center or find parking in Springdale.

Route Description

Once you get off at The Grotto stop, you can take the opportunity to refill your water bottles at the fountains and use the restroom, since you won't have another chance further along the route.

Drinking Water Fountain, Zion National Park

To start the hike, you'll need to cross the road and the river, since the trail is on the west side of the canyon. Right after that, you'll come to a junction where you should turn right onto the West Rim Trail.

The West Rim Trail gradually climbs up the mountainside and winds its way into Refrigerator Canyon; this area is quite shady and cool, and as you climb, you’ll enjoy views of Zion Canyon. The trail is in very good condition and is almost entirely paved, except for the initial section. This section is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long and has an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 feet (300 m).

To complete the climb to the first lookout point, you'll come across a zigzagging path with 21 curves, much like a mountain road. This section is called Walter’s Wiggles, and although it’s completely paved, the elevation gain is considerable: 250 feet (76 m) over a relatively short distance, which makes it a bit of a grind.

Once you’ve passed this fun section 😜, you’ll head to the first overlook and the trail’s critical point: Scout Lookout. This area tends to get quite crowded, as it’s the intersection of the West Rim Trail and Angels Landing. Many hikers stop here to rest after descending or ascending, and this is where you’ll be asked to show your permit. Therefore, you cannot continue from here without one, as park rangers are checking it. There’s also a lookout point here with great views of the canyon.

Finally, you’ll tackle the most feared section of the entire hike: the famous chains on the ridge leading to Angels Landing. This section of the trail is known for its steep incline and for being a narrow, very exposed path, requiring you to navigate sections of stairs and, at times, large steps. Chains are provided along much of the route to assist you or prevent potential falls.

Although the permit system has greatly reduced the number of visitors and there are no longer any major traffic jams, it’s normal to encounter other hikers both on the way down and on the way up. In these cases, it’s best to use common sense: don’t try to pass abruptly; yield to people who are faster than you or when you’re facing oncoming hikers, but always do so in an area where you feel safe.

Panoramic view of the trail to Angels Landing

We think that if you feel up to this hike, the viewpoint is definitely worth it, since the views from the top of Angels Landing down into Zion Canyon are incredible and will leave you with memories you'll never forget.

Practical Information About the Trail to Angels Landing

Is Angels Landing dangerous?

From our perspective, hiking to Angels Landing isn’t dangerous, as long as you meet some basic requirements and hike responsibly. This trail is very difficult due to the final section, for which you need to obtain a permit. This section is very exposed, narrow, and steep, so a fall could be fatal. To help you both on the way up and down, there are chains bolted into the rock along the trail.

Who can take this route?

There are no specific requirements you must meet when obtaining your license, but it is important to be responsible and not take risks if you don't feel capable, since you could endanger yourself and others.

Who should NOT go on this trek:

People who aren't in decent shape
Inexperienced hikers
Families with young children
People with vertigo or a fear of heights
Older adults or people with knee problems

Best time to hike Angels Landing

The best time of year to hiking to Angels Landing is from late March to late June and from early September to early November. During these months, the temperature is more pleasant—it’s neither too cold nor unbearably hot—and it doesn’t coincide with the busiest months for visitors.

During the winter and late fall— from early November to late March—temperatures in the park drop dramatically, with the possibility of freezing temperatures at night and even occasional snowfall, so this is not the best time for trekking.

July and August are good months for hiking Angels Landing, but you should be aware of the heat, which can exceed 36°C, and the crowds of hikers, both in the park and on the trail itself.

What should you bring to Angels Landing?

To hike Angels Landing, you must be prepared and bring the necessary gear. Here is our list:

💧 Water: 1 to 2 liters per person, depending on the time of year
🥾 Hiking boots, preferably mid-calf height to protect your ankles
🧢 Cap or hat
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧴 Sunscreen
👕 Breathable technical hiking or sports clothing
🧥 Jacket or light sweatshirt
🥪 Sandwich(es) or snacks
🎒 Backpack
🥢 We wouldn't bring trekking poles, since they'll get in the way on the trails. You can bring them if you can fold them up and store them in your backpack.

Tips for Hiking to Angels Landing

Here are some tips to hiking to Angels Landing to keep in mind when you go on the hike:

There are three time slots each day for the hike (before 9 a.m., between 9 a.m. and noon, and after noon); we recommend that you start as early as possible within your time slot.
Check the weather before you head out, because if it's going to rain or there's a strong wind warning, it's best not to go on the hike since the risk of falling increases.
If a storm breaks out during your hike (they're common in the afternoons in late summer), don't attempt to climb, as it can be very dangerous
Use the chains as much as possible; they'll keep you safe.
Do not try to pass abruptly or in narrow areas
Bring 1 to 2 liters of water per person; remember that there are drinking fountains at the bus stop.

Is Angels Landing worth the hike?

In our opinion, hiking to Angels Landing is a must if you have two days in Zion National Park, as it offers unique views that are among the best in Zion Canyon. On the other hand, as we’ve already emphasized in this article, this hike isn’t for everyone, and you must obtain a permit to do it.

If you’re deciding between the Angels Landing and The Narrows, you should know that they are two completely different hikes, although both are physically demanding. On The Narrows hike, you’ll literally walk through the Virgin River in the upper part of Zion Canyon; the water may reach your knees, and outside of July and August, the water temperature can be very low, so you’ll need special gear.

A much easier way to get a good panoramic view of Zion Canyon—though nowhere near as spectacular as the view from Angels Landing—is from Canyon Overlook. In this case, the trail is much more accessible and suitable for almost everyone, and you don’t need a permit, but the views—while very beautiful—are of a lower part of the canyon.

Map of the Angels Landing Hike

On this map, we've marked the key points you should keep in mind when hiking to Angels Landing:

Frequently Asked Questions About Angels Landing

Is a permit required to hike Angels Landing?

Yes. To hike the final section of Angels Landing, where the chains are located, you must obtain a permit through the park's lottery system. Without this permit, you will not be able to access the final part of the trail.

How long does the hike to Angels Landing take?

The entire route takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on your pace, the number of stops, the number of visitors, and the amount of time you spend at each viewpoint.

How long is the Angels Landing trail?

The trail is approximately 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,640 feet (500 m).

Is Angels Landing a difficult hike?

Yes. It is considered a difficult route due to its steep elevation gain and, above all, the final section, which runs along a narrow ridge with steep slopes, exposed sections, and handrails.

Is the Angels Landing trail dangerous?

Although thousands of people complete it every year without incident, the final stretch requires great caution. It is not recommended for people with vertigo, a fear of heights, knee problems, children, or those with little experience on exposed trails.

What happens if I don't get a permit for Angels Landing?

If you don't get the permit, you can go as far as Scout Lookout, a spectacular viewpoint located before the section with the chains. From there, you'll enjoy excellent views of the canyon without having to continue all the way to the summit.

Is Angels Landing worth the hike?

Without a doubt. It’s one of the most famous hiking trails in the United States and offers spectacular views of Zion National Park. If you can get a permit and are ready to take on the challenge, you’ll have one of the most unforgettable experiences in the American West.

We hope this post about hiking to Angels Landing helps you enjoy this wonderful place!

Update date: 14 August 2026

Roger Domènech

Co-founder and writer

I’m software engineer and the one who keeps all the tech side of this travel blog running (or, as I like to call myself: the fixer of stuff). As you can imagine, one of my biggest passions is traveling: I backpacked for 6 months through Southeast Asia and Australia, and drove my own campervan from Ushuaia to Alaska. It took me more than 2 years and has been the most challenging (and amazing) travel experience of my life.

One of my strengths is navigation, and I’m the kind of person who plan trips using Excel, though I have to admit that once I accidentally added “September 31st” to an itinerary. I promise it won’t happen again!

I also love soccer, snowboarding, hiking, and Friday nights with pizza and beer.

I love traveling to the United States—there are few places in the world with such a variety of landscapes! I hope to share my passion for this country with you and you find my tips to travel to the USA useful.